Greg van Avermaet: Not nice to hear that Gilbert is targeting cobbled Classics
BMC rider not pleased to hear that his teammate wants to ride the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, but still believes he can win his first Classic in 2015


Greg van Avermaet has said that it is "not nice to hear" that Philippe Gilbert is aiming for victory in the cobbled Classics in 2015, with the former world champion having declared in November that he has unfinished business with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
Gilbert said that he would be looking to kick-off the classics season with Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, a race in which van Avermaet narrowly missed out on victory to Ian Stannard in 2014.
But with second place in the Tour of Flanders in 2014 as well, van Avermaet believes that he is still best placed out the two Belgian BMC riders to take a win on the cobbles.
"2014 was a good year," van Avermaet told Sporza. "I am now 29, my strongest years are coming. I want to keep up my attacking style, then the big Classic will come.”
“I have become stronger and Philippe has a very good track record. He is not as impressive now. I'm still ambitious and want to take my own chance in the Flemish races.”
And while van Avermaet says that he not pleased that he'll have to compete with his compatriot Gilbert for leadership of the squad at the Classics, nothing will be decided until at least the the team's winter training camp in December.
"I think the first training camp with the team in December will decide a lot," he said. "The team leaders will have their say and then we have to decide whether we can succeed in riding together at those races."
“Last year we had decided that Philippe would be leader in the Ardennes races and I in the Flemish races. Now Philippe will again ride the Flemish races and the Tour of Flanders will certainly be one of them.”
More racing stories
Philippe Gilbert eyeing a ride in the 2015 cobbled classics
Philippe Gilbert is craving a return to the cobbles.
Peter Sagan for the Classics, Alberto Contador for the Tours: Tinkoff-Saxo's 2015 plan
Tinkoff-Saxo manager Bjarne Riis starts planning for the 2015 season
Milan-San Remo to restore classic Via Roma finish
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
Notio Aerometer review - a portable wind tunnel
For time triallists serious about aero optimisation, the Notio is a good investment - but to get the most out of it you need time as well as money
By Tom Epton • Published
-
Tour de France bikes: winning machines from the last ten years
Nine of the ten bikes came from Italian manufacturers
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
Philippe Gilbert still hungry for more success after 4 Jours de Dunkerque overall win, but: 'First I will get married'
The 39-year-old is planning to marry his partner at the end of May, and hopes to win more races before he retires at the end of the season
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
What did we learn from the first elite road races of the year?
Alejandro Valverde is still good; Lotto-Soudal are hungry for results; Biniam Girmay might be a force to be reckoned with
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'Things didn't go the way I wanted': Greg Van Avermaet decides to delay Covid-19 booster, blaming end of season results on vaccine
The World Health Organisation says 'more serious or long-lasting side effects to COVID-19 vaccines are possible but extremely rare'
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Philippe Gilbert to target results in big races - not 'easy wins' - in his final year
The Belgian former world champion says that he won't chase easy wins after 20 years in the pro peloton
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Dutch pro suffers brain haemorrhage after being hit by scooter
Maurits Lammertink was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and underwent brain surgery that night
By Tim Bonville-Ginn • Published
-
Seven riders have already beaten Philippe Gilbert's La Redoute Strava KoM
The Liège-Bastogne-Liège climb has seen a flurry of KoM attempts in the last week
By Jonny Long • Published
-
Julian Alaphilippe heads up GP Québec and Grand Prix de Montréal 2019 start lists
With this collection of hitters, we know we're in for fireworks
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
'Why should I think about stopping now?' says Philippe Gilbert amid uncertainty over new contract
Gilbert says he will not speak in the media about a new contract, unlike his team boss Patrick Lefevere
By Jonny Long • Published